Pacific Palisades American Legion Post 283 donates $2 Million to the Los Angeles Fisher House project that broke ground July 19, 2007 at the VA's West Los Angeles campus. NECman Jim Hackney and members of Palisades Post converse after ceremonies. LOS ANGELES-- The Pacific Palisades American Legion Post 283 has donated $2 Million to the Los Angeles Fisher House project that is scheduled to break ground July 19th at the VA's West Los Angeles campus.
"This donation comes at such a critical time in the nation’s quest to provide the best possible care for our veterans and their families. This big-hearted, caring and generous group of people has helped lead the effort to bring this resource to the veterans of Los Angeles," states Charles Dorman, Director of VA Greater Los Angeles.
Post 283 unanimously voted to approve the measure that will lodge family members while a service member is hospitalized at the VA. In times of need, the Fisher House provides the opportunity for family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. The action makes Post 283, which has been a generous partner of the VA over the years, the single largest donor to the LA Home to date.
“In this line of work, actions speak louder than words and this group has quietly proven to be a true leader in caring for our veterans,” said Dorman. “It amazes me just how much they truly care for our troops. This house will be here long after we are gone, and the people bringing this home here will have played a part in a significant piece of history.”
Los Angeles was selected as a site for the newest Fisher House in January. A local non-profit organization called Brentwood Fisher House was established and formed in order to match contributions made by the Fisher House Foundation.
The Fisher House philanthropy, established in 1990 by the late Zachary Fisher, a New York builder, and his wife, Elizabeth, of New York, was designed to diminish emotional and financial drains on veterans' families and provide a wheelchair-friendly place for veterans to visit. In recognition of the special sacrifices of severely wounded or ill service members and their families, the foundation donates “comfort homes” so that families can face medical crises together.
"I don't think we can ever do enough to repay our young men and women for what they have sacrificed for our country, let alone Los Angeles," added Tim Byk, founder and Chairman of the West Los Angeles Fisher House Foundation and owner of Byk Realty. “We are doing well, but I would like to raise enough money to see a second home built to meet the demand of our veterans.”
The ground breaking ceremony will take place at the WLA Campus on the property located just inside the Sawtelle south gate off of Ohio Street. This is the second of two new construction projects breaking ground at the WLA property this summer. To find out more about the home, visit www.westlosangelesfisherhouse.org or call (310) 440-8400. |
